The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) kicked off its 2024 season with a splash of Americana, showcasing works by U.S. composers along with a piece by a standout Miami-born talent. During their opening night, the IPO paid homage to the country's musical artistry, with Stilian Kirov at the helm trying to bring often overlooked American symphonies to the stage. As the Chicago Tribune reported, the Midwest premiere of David Diamond’s Symphony No. 2 and William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 3 graced the program on September 21.
Arlene Sierra’s latest work, "Kiskadee", made its Chicago-area debut, delivering more than just a conceptual nod to our feathered friends. Despite the late start and the speeches that lengthened the concert, the IPO delivered a compelling performance that punched out Sierra’s avian themes with precision. According to Chicago Classical Review, the composer, who drew inspiration for the piece from the competitive songs of the kiskadee and troupial birds, crafted an intense six-minute spin that captured the audience, if not initially, then upon a more deserved ovation after a prompt from Kirov.
Alongside the modern compositions, the IPO didn't shy away from more traditional pillars, welcoming the century-old energy of George Gershwin’s Concerto in F. Piano soloist Sean Chen brought his 'A' game that night, offering, as Kirov pointed out, the easy swing of a veteran club player to Gershwin’s orchestral jazz. The concert, however, wasn't without its hiccups; a bungled trumpet solo did little to tarnish the overall spirited performance that left the audience clapping for more. Chen closed with a Kreisler encore that, dipped in Rachmaninoff’s transcription, exemplified his keyboard prowess.
The season seems set to continue its focus on native gems, with upcoming shows featuring a blend of established masterworks and fresh compositions. Highlights include a world premiere by Sepehr Pirasteh with the American Composers Orchestra and a celebration of John Williams' scores. These concerts showcase the IPO's commitment to spotlighting American artistry as much as they underline our ever-evolving musical landscape, said Stilian Kirov, as mentioned by the Chicago Tribune.
